Music therapy. Autism

Transcription

1 Music therapy & Autism Rachel See Smith, MA, MT-BC Board-Certified Music Therapist Music Therapy Services of Austin musictherapyservices.net Information from the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

2 What is Music Therapy? According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It is a well-established allied health profession that uses music therapeutically to address behavioral, social, psychological, communicative, physical, sensory-motor, and/or cognitive functioning. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible. For individuals with diagnoses on the autism spectrum, music therapy provides a unique variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in behavior and facilitate development of skills. A music therapist is... Professionally trained to utilize clinical musical interventions to address behavioral/ psycho-social/emotional, communication/ language, sensory-motor, & cognitive needs of individuals.

3 Well-versed in a variety of music therapy applications and pertinent research. Informed regarding individuals with diagnoses on the autism spectrum and able to provide adaptations to address unique processing styles. Able to create a therapeutic environment and engage in the therapeutic process. An effective communicator, with clients, other team members, and the public. Why Music Therapy for Individuals with Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum? People with diagnoses on the autism spectrum often show a heightened interest and response to music, making it an excellent therapeutic tool to work with them. Music is a very basic human response, spanning all degrees of ability/disability. Music therapists are able to meet clients at their own levels and allow them to grow from there. The malleability of music makes it a medium that can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual. Music is motivating and enjoyable. Music can promote relatedness, relaxation, learning, and selfexpression. Music therapy addresses multiple developmental issues simultaneously.

4 Music therapy can provide success-oriented opportunities for achievement and mastery. The structure and sensory input inherent in music help to establish response and role expectations, positive interactions, and organization. Music captures and helps maintain attention. It is highly motivating and engaging and may be used as a natural reinforcer for desired responses. Music therapy can stimulate clients to reduce negative and/or self-stimulatory responses and increase participation in more appropriate and socially acceptable ways. Music therapy can enable those without language to communicate, participate and express themselves non-verbally. Very often music therapy also assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills. The interpersonal timing and reciprocity in shared play, turn-taking, listening and responding to another person are augmented in music therapy with children and adults with autism to accommodate and address their styles of communication. Music therapy allows individuals with diagnoses on the autism spectrum the opportunity to develop identification and appropriate expression of their emotions. Because music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/language skills. Music provides concrete, multi-sensory stimulation (auditory, visual, and tactile). The rhythmic component of music is very organizing for the sensory systems of individuals diagnosed with autism. As a result,

5 auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/ motor, gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced through music therapy. Musical elements and structures provide a sense of security and familiarity in the music therapy setting, encouraging clients to attempt new tasks within this predictable but malleable framework. Many people with diagnoses on the autism spectrum have innate musical talents; thus, music therapy provides an opportunity for successful experiences. Emphasis is placed on strengths, which in turn may be utilized to address each individual s areas of need. The literature reports that most individuals with autism respond positively to music. (DeMyer, 1974; Edgerton, 1994; Euper, 1968; Snell, 1996; Thaut, 1992) What Do Music Therapists Do? Music therapists provide direct or consultative services. They work individually or in small groups, using a variety of music and techniques to engage children and adults with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. They involve clients in singing, listening, moving, playing instruments, and creative activities in a systematic, prescribed manner to influence change in targeted responses or behaviors and help clients meet individual goals and objectives. They create a musical, familiar environment that encourages positive interpersonal interaction and allows clients freedom to explore and express themselves. They utilize music that is preferred by and reinforcing to clients and is appropriate for ages, cultures, and environments in which the clients interact.

6 Music therapists are trained professionals who accept referrals, observe clients behavior and interactions, and assess their behavioral/ psycho-social/emotional, communication/language, perceptual/ and sensory/motor, cognitive/academic, and musical skills. After designing realistic goals and target objectives to address identified needs, music therapists plan and implement individualized music therapy treatment programs with strategies, procedures, and interventions to develop skills necessary to achieve an optimum level of success or quality of life for individuals with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Music therapists document client responses, conduct ongoing evaluations of progress and performance, and make recommendations for future consideration. They often work as team members in conjunction with families and professionals to best address each individual s needs. Music therapists may also make recommendations to team members and families regarding ways to include successful music therapy techniques in other aspects of clients lives. How Does Music Therapy Help Families of Individuals with Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum? An individual s growth through music therapy may improve the quality of life for the whole family. If the client s behavior is improved, there may be less stress or strain on other family members. In addition, with an increase in skills, the client may become more independent and aware and more able to interact and communicate with others. Music therapy can provide additional opportunities for positive interaction and building relationships among family members and the client. New music-related leisure options among family members may be explored, while providing an acceptable emotional outlet.

7 Greater family cohesiveness, support, and coping skills may be achieved through shared, equal music making during sessions or in the home environment. Music therapy interventions can teach family members alternative ways to interact, socialize, and communicate with their loved ones. Music therapy can help promote generalization/transfer of skills in sessions to the home environment. Participation in music therapy often allows family members to see their loved one in a different light, to witness their relative s areas of strength and aptitude, perhaps seeing or hearing novel responses in this setting that they have not noted elsewhere. Music therapy may provide hope for the future and belief in the individual s abilities.

8 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: MUSICTHERAPY.ORG MUSICTHERAPYSERVICES.NET AUTISMSPEAKS.ORG